Winter Survival Guide: Cosiest Drinking & Dining

February: officially the bleakest month of the year. Stay positive, wrap up warm, and read on for five ways to make it through the cold weather.

Coziest Coffee Break

Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel
With views across Carlos Place, inviting arm chairs and a cosy fireplace, this intimate bar in the Connaught Hotel works as well for a warming hot chocolate with the kids, quick coffee break during a shopping spree or leisurely afternoon cocktails.

The Connaught, Carlos Pl., W1K 2AL 020 7499 7070

Comfort Food Worth the Extra Pounds

Maggie Jones's
Generous portions of wholesome British dishes are served in this cosy, rustic restaurant in the middle of Kensington. Follow wonderfully decadent plates of creamed fish pie, onion soup, and steak and kidney pie with a rich chocolate pot or bread-and-butter pudding - and be thankful bikini season is nowhere near.

6 Old Court Pl., W8 4PL; 020 7937 6462

Ski-Themed Restaurant

Lodge d'Argent
French restaurant Coq d'Argent in the City has opened a traditional French ski chalet on its terrace for the ski season (until February 28). Lodge d'Argent is a magical ski-themed pop-up complete with twinkling fairy lights and antlers on the walls. On the menu: expect comforting winter classics like fondue, mulled wine and tartiflette. No passport or skis necessary.

1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ; 020 7395 5000

Romance-Igniting Fireplaces

Clos Maggiore
This magical Covent Garden restaurant is often called the most romantic place to eat out in London - and we believe the roaring fireplace in the flower-filled conservatory has as much to do with that as the delicious New French cuisine.

33 King St., WC2E 8JD; 020 7379 9696

Hot Drinks, Adult-Style

Skylounge
If the 360-degree views across the Tower of London don't make you high, the menu of winter warming cocktails at the Skylounge will. There is an entire menu of hot toddies to choose from including the Kuddle Kracken made with dark Caribbean rum, ginger syrup, cinnamon, cloves and butter - or the coconut chai hot yoddy with coconut milk, chai tea and cardamom.